Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) made the following statement today following the release of a Congressional Budget Office analysis of his health care reform bill, the America’s Healthy Future Act. That analysis, which shows a net deficit reduction of $81 billion, total spending of $829 billion and 94 percent coverage, is attached and will be posted on the Congressional Budget Office website www.cbo.gov.

From Chairman Baucus:

“Our balanced approach to health reform has paid off yet again with the news today that the America’s Healthy Future Act remains fully paid for, begins to reduce the federal deficit within ten years and makes significant reductions in federal debt over the next several decades. Most importantly, it improves and expands health care coverage for tens of millions of American families. This legislation is a smart investment on the federal balance sheet, and it’s an even smarter investment for American families, businesses and our economy. Health reform will modernize the health care system for the 21st century by reducing inefficiencies, focusing on quality and ensuring we are getting the best bang for our health care buck. Health reform should be fiscally responsible as it expands and improves coverage and these numbers reiterate that real reform can be just that.”